Kristina Shiddell

Ministry and Communications Coordinator

Personally speaking:
Born and raised in Overland Park, KS; Graduate of Baker University (2012) and the Kanakuk Institute (2014), and currently working toward a Master of Theological Studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Getting to Know Kristina

Q: When/how did you become involved with Lightbearers?

A: I first heard about Lightbearers in the fall of 2013 when Andrew and Kevin came to visit the Kanakuk Institute. I wasn’t sure at that time what I would be doing the following year, so I decided to talk with them and get some more information. One thing led to another, and next thing I knew I was in Fayetteville for an interview. That is when I fell in love with Lightbearers and knew I wanted to be a part of it.

Q: What is your favorite book and/or quote?

A: “God is the highest good of the reasonable creature; and the enjoyment of him is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied.– To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows; but the enjoyment of God is the substance. These are but scattered beams; but God is the sun. These are but streams; but God is the fountain. These are but drops; but God is the ocean.– Therefore it becomes us to spend this life only as a journey towards heaven, as it becomes us to make the seeking of our highest end and proper good, the whole work of our lives; to which we should subordinate all other concerns of life. Why should we labor for, or set our hearts on, anything else, but that which is our proper end, and true happiness?” – Jonathan Edwards

Q: What excites you about the Lightbearers vision?

A: Every part. Really though, I absolutely love how LMI uses a holistic model to reach college students. It is a unique approach that sets Lightbearers apart from most other college ministries. But what I really love most is that we are here to aid the church. Lightbearers will be in the life of these students for a year or two… but the church is eternal. I pray that we make that clear to our students and that their experience with us creates a deep love and a lifelong faithfulness first to Christ, and also to His bride – the church.

Q: Other than Jesus, what Bible character would you want to have lunch with?

A: Peter. In his flesh, he denies Christ. Yet he is the rock on which Jesus says the church will be built. He is an incredible example of someone who loves Jesus dearly and has committed his life to walking with Him, despite his sin continually getting in the way of that pursuit. The Lord gently restores him and chooses to use him to accomplish His will. With this in mind, what an encouragement it would be to sit and meet with Peter and to hear him tell his story.

Q: Other than Bible characters, what three people, living or dead, would you want to have lunch with?

A: My parents, C.S. Lewis, and Whitney Houston (but only if she agreed to sing during the entire meal.

Q: What does a fun, relaxing day look like for you?

A: First and foremost, I’d sleep in. Once I’m up though, I’d love to have an easy and unplanned morning and then the rest of the day spent among friends and eating good food. I’m definitely an extrovert, so put me around people and get me out of the house and I’ll probably have a good time. (Oh, and ideally this all takes place on a beach).